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Treatment

Medical treatment for asthma works by relaxing bronchi spasm using
bronchodilators, oral or inhalers and reducing inflammation with corticosteroids
which is administered in severe cases.

Exams and tests for respiratory disorders

 Lung or Pulmonary function test (spirometer or peak floe meter)
measures lung function.
 CXR to visualize structures inside the chest including heart. Lungs
 Blood tests - Complete Blood count

Classification of severity of Asthma

Asthma is clinically classified according to the frequency and severity of
symptoms or attacks and the results of pulmonary (lung) function tests including
red expiratory volume in I second (FEV I) and peak expiratory flow rate PEFR).

a) Mild intermittent asthma

✓ Symptoms of cough, sneeze, chest tightness or difficulty breathing les than
3-4 times a week
✓Flare-ups brief, but intensity may vary
✓ Nighttime symptoms less than thrice a month

✓ No symptoms between flare-ups
✓ Lung function test FEVI equal to or above 80 percent of normal values
✓ Good response to low dose inhaled corticosteroids
✓ No time off work

b) Moderate asthma

✓ Symptoms of cough, wheeze, chest tightness, or difficulty breathing dark
✓ Flare-ups-may affect activity level
✓ Nighttime symptoms 5 or more times a month
✓ Lung function test FEV I above 60 percent but below 80 percent of no
values
✓ Peak flow more than 30 percent variability.
✓ Daily use of inhaled steroid plus long acting bronchodilator or oral asthma
drugs required.
✓ Less than 1-2 weeks of time off from work per year

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